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PHILADELPHIA -- Across the U.S., more than 3,226 office buildings, schools, hospitals, and public buildings, representing 574 million square feet, earned EPA's ENERGY STAR for superior energy and environmental performance through 2006.

These buildings are saving an estimated $600 million annually in lower energy bills, as ENERGY STAR-qualified buildings use up to 40 percent less energy than typical buildings, while providing the required comfort and services. These buildings also are preventing 11 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the emissions from 889,794 vehicles.

In Delaware, these nine ENERGY STAR-qualified buildings represent approximately 1.5 million square feet of space and save an estimated $1 million annually in lower energy bills, while meeting industry standards for comfort and indoor air quality. These buildings also prevent 608 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the emissions from more than 1,376 vehicles.

"By partnering with EPA, building owners are realizing that they can reduce energy costs without sacrificing comfort or tenant satisfaction," said EPA Regional Administrator Donald S. Welsh. "ENERGY STAR building owners in Delaware are to be congratulated for taking an important leadership step. Commercial buildings account for more than 18 percent of our nation's greenhouse gas emissions”

Buildings earn the ENERGY STAR based on EPA(s energy performance rating system. These buildings must score a 75 or better (on a scale from 1-100) based on their actual energy use, and also meet industry standards for comfort and indoor air quality. The average score for ENERGY STAR labeled buildings in 2006 is 84.

Buildings that earn the prestigious ENERGY STAR use one-third less energy than other buildings. Among the top performers nationally are 320 office buildings, 320 supermarkets, 200 public schools and 90 banks, courthouses, financial centers, hospitals, hotels and dormitories.

Top-performing buildings can be found in every state in the nation and the District of Columbia. States that are home to the most ENERGY STAR-qualified buildings are California, Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, Colorado, and Ohio.

With interest in energy efficiency growing, ENERGY STAR offers easy-to-use tools and guidelines that can help building owners and managers in the U.S. realize significant energy and dollar savings.

Started in 1992, ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program helping businesses and consumers protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. Last year alone, American consumers and businesses, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $12 billion and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to those from 23 million vehicles.

For more information and a complete list of buildings and their locations, please visit www.energystar.gov/labeledbuildings ##